MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Lan Chile strong earnings in third quarter

Lan Chile reported this week earnings totalling 36,4 million US dollars during the third quarter of this year which represents a 60% increase over the same period in 2003.

Greater activity both in passengers and cargo together with cost reduction measures to counterbalance the spiraling of oil prices helped achieve the favourable performance.

Profits in the first nine months of 2004 reached 115,9 million US dollars, a 139,6% increase over the same period a year ago, 48,4 million US dollars.

Lan Chile is the country's flag carrier which also operates in Peru, Ecuador and Dominican Republic, making it one of the most successful airlines in the world,

Sales in the third quarter totaled 528 million US dollars, a 31% increase over the same period last year.